NAVIGATING VARROA MITE: A BEEKEEPER'S PERSPECTIVE WEBINAR

AEDT 7:00 -8:30 PM (NSW Australia)

Wednesday 15 November 2023

A WEBINAR EVENT

Please join us to hear from Beekeepers and community members who have been at the forefront of the government's response to Varroa Mite to discuss what has transpired and our envisioned reforms.

Bees are vital pollinators, playing a crucial role in the production of many fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without bees, our food supply and ecosystem health would be in jeopardy, affecting food affordability and availability. These indispensable pollinators contribute significantly to agriculture and ensure the availability of diverse and nutritious foods. Protecting bees is not just essential for beekeepers; it's a matter of affordable global food security and environmental sustainability.

Event Outline:

The NSW government body, DPI, has recently moved to a Varroa Plan of Management, but not before 40 million bees were killed and Fipronil released in to the environment. The APVMA, the government body which regulates agriculture and veterinary chemicals, approved the use of Fipronil Off Label. 

In a government-funded review, the APVMA was found to "align with industry interests" which stated that "a majority of the APVMA's ongoing chemical reviews have been in progress for nearly two decades." It has only recently come to the public's attention that the DPI was aware of Varroa Mite’s presence in Australia for 12-18 months before its announced detection in 2022. This raises questions about the DPI's knowledge of the mite's spread. Despite this, the DPI continues to place blame on beekeepers for Varroa's spread, rather than having taken the necessary actions early on.

For many beekeepers, there are more questions than answers. Emails and information requests have been met with silence. We seek clear and prompt responses to our inquiries.

Speakers Include:

Kate Mason - Community Voice Australia, Central Coast

Steve Fuller - President Crop Pollination Association

Dolfi Benesh - Bee Keeper

Get involved:

If you're passionate about protecting bees and our food security, you can actively participate in initiatives led by Community Voice Australia (CVA). CVA is dedicated to advocating for the environment, transparent governance, and community engagement. By joining our initiatives, you can make a meaningful impact on these important issues. Get involved in safeguarding our future; together, we can be the voice of positive change.